Myths in the Izumo Province

Shimane is known as the province of the deities and the home of myth. The myths set in Izumo, including the story of the deity, Susanowo, and his battle with Yamatano Orochi, or the eight-headed dragon-like serpent, were written in the ancient Chronicles, the Kojiki and the Nihon shoki. The Izumo fudoki contain more local myths such as the story of Kunibiki, which tells how the lands of Izumo created. In this section, understand and learn more about the myths of Izumo.

(1)Treasure trove of myths - stories of the deities
(2)Myths as holy story during the sacred rites
(3)Exploration of the world of myths

(1)Treasure trove of myths - stories of the deities

Myths from the Izumo province written in the Izumo fudoki as well as some other myths compiled by the central government centering on the Kojiki are introduced by animated on screen images and computer graphics.

Video program

A. Susanowo defeating the eight-headed dragon-like serpent(19 min. approx.)
B. Creation of the land by Ookuninushi(19 min. approx.)
C.Myths from the Izumo fudoki(20 min. approx.)
*At the “Theater of Myth,” seats are available at 30 minute intervals.

(2)Myths as holy story during the sacred rites

Changes in interpretation of myth and the setting where myths were told, such as Kagura(sacred music and dance) and Kanyogoto ritual (inaugural ceremony of the Izumo Kokuso) are introduced. Compare these with some other myths set in Kitatsu-umi, or the Japan sea, to discover more about the meaning of ancient myth.

(3)Exploration of the world of myths

Get inside the myths by taking a look at the traditional places, objects, and how interpretation of the myths has changed over time. Also read firsthand the books containing ancient myths.